Broadcast: News items

Academic Update: May 2024

Posted on behalf of: Internal Communications

Last updated: Wednesday, 15 May 2024

Academic Update highlights the key priorities for academic colleagues and recent news and updates which you and your teams may find useful.

If there is information you would like included in future Academic Updates, please submit your request to the Internal Comms mailbox.

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Education and Students

Overseas Postgraduate Taught student payment arrangements
As part of our planning to reduce levels of student debt in the next academic year and support the student visa application process and the University’s compliance with UK Visas and Immigration, overseas postgraduate taught students will be asked to pay a larger proportion of their fees as a deposit before they join us. Students were previously asked for a £3,500 deposit, and this has now increased to £5,000. Additionally, students will be required to pay 50% of their remaining fees at enrolment, with the balance to be paid by the end of January (exact date to be confirmed), earlier in the academic year than previously. These new arrangements, which have been benchmarked against other universities, seek to help ensure that students arrive at the University with appropriate financial arrangements in place. 

Research and Enterprise

New Summer of Research programme contains 60+ live talks and events
The Summer of Research returns from 20 May – 21 June, celebrating great research and impact, and sharing exciting and innovative practice. A chance to hear about research across campus, on topics that interest you, learn new skills and make connections – even meet new collaborators. We have worked with academic and expert organisers from all Schools to bring you a rich, diverse and fascinating programme. Check out our events, with even more listings over the coming days.

Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2029
The Research Quality and Impact team now provide regular REF 2029 updates via a monthly newsletter for all colleagues involved in REF across the University. The April update covers the Open Access Consultation, the People, Culture and Environment Pilot exercise, the 2024 Research Impact Awards, the Sussex Impact Days (18-19 June 2024) and upcoming training opportunities.

Sussex First Grants and Fellowship Accelerator Programme
The Sussex First Grants and Fellowship Accelerator Programme is being co-delivered by the Research Development and Initiatives Team and Dr Becky Steliaros from Research in Focus Ltd. The 12-week training programme runs from 25 April-3 July and is designed to significantly enhance the chances of success for Early Career academics who are starting out on their grant application journey. It’s a combination of online pre-recorded tutorials, practical activities, coaching, expert guidance, and experienced researcher input from Sussex mentors who have had fellowship or early career scheme awards and is supporting 35 School-selected participants from across all 10 Schools.

Worktribe: staying informed, keeping updated
Our new research management system, ‘Worktribe’ went live on 1 May. To ensure a smooth and successful transition to the new system, we’re implementing a phased approach for staff with access for our academic colleagues and School PS colleagues supporting research, taking place in stages from June through to July. You can find out more on this project at the Research Management System webpage and keep updated on our regular news updates in the ‘Transforming Sussex newsletter’ which covers active capital projects in the University. You can sign up for the newsletter here.

SSRP funding opportunity
The Sussex Sustainability Research Programme (SSRP) is currently welcoming submissions for its 'Scaling up Sustainability Research' Round 9 Call for Proposals. Interested academics and researchers can submit an application by 12 noon on Wednesday 5 June.

Global and Civic Engagement

Visit from UK Research and Innovation China office
The Director and Deputy Director of UKRI’s China office will be visiting the University on 31 May, and will be hosting discussions on key areas of collaborative work around creative industries, climate, agriculture, and health. Please let Nicole Chen from our Global Engagement team know if you would be interested in joining in with the discussion and/or an informal lunch.

National Volunteers’ Week (3-9 June)
National Volunteers’ Week takes place from 3-9 June, celebrating the amazing contributions volunteers make to communities across the UK. All full-time staff on a contract of 12 months or more can take two days of paid leave a year to volunteer. If you know of any great examples of Sussex staff and/or students making a difference through volunteering, please email: internalcomms@sussex.ac.uk

About you

Keeping your teaching qualifications details up to date
If you've joined us recently, or have been awarded a Fellowship by Advance HE in the last year, please check your details are correctly recorded at My Advance HE. Advance HE have provided some guidance on how to do this. It’s always good to check that the correct details are held for you by other organisations, and it helps the University to report accurately on staff with qualifications, and to celebrate your success. These are things you have worked hard for and can be proud of - don’t forget to refer them in your Annual Development Review meeting. If you'd like to work towards a new or higher Fellowship, support is available to guide you through the process. More information on gaining Fellowship

Join our Wellbeing Festival for staff on 17 July
This taster day on campus will give you the opportunity to try a variety of activities that may boost your wellbeing, whilst fitting around your work commitments. The festival will be developed and delivered in collaboration with colleagues across the University and if you would like to get involved with helping to deliver the day to please email Wendy Carey at: w.carey@sussex.ac.uk.

Pause and Flow – supporting staff through menopause and menstruation
Read Pause and Flow, a new annual update from Organisational Development that highlights progress around support for people experiencing menopause and menstruation in the workplace. You can find out more about Menopause Cafes, staff training, online support groups, the Period Dignity Project and other successes from 2023/24.

Still time to register for Learning at Work Week events
Visit the Organisational Development pages to find out about the range of events still available during Learning at Work Week (this week, 13-17 May). This annual campaign promotes the development of learning cultures in the workplace, so take the opportunity to explore what’s on offer, learn something new and refresh your skills. You can also join the Development and Wellbeing drop-in event at the Meeting House on Thursday 16 May, from 11am-2pm, to get advice and information on how to access a range of development options and wellbeing support.

Mentoring summer update
Our staff mentoring programme is open to all staff and provides an opportunity to share and develop knowledge, skills and experience in a confidential, safe space. With Achievement and Development Review (ADR) season approaching, this is the perfect time to reflect and consider where mentoring could support your professional development. Find out more about mentoring and new initiatives now available, including speed mentoring sessions and mentor search support.

About Sussex

Share your thoughts on Sussex 2035
There are just a few days left to share your thoughts on the final draft of the University’s new strategy 'Sussex 2035: Creating Progressive Futures'. Please take a look at the full draft for consultation - log in with your Sussex credentials -and share your thoughts via our survey by Wednesday 22 May.

Sussex retains HR Excellence in Research Award for tenth year
The University has retained its HR Excellence in Research Award following a 10-year external review, demonstrating a long-term commitment to the career development of early career researchers (ECRs). The award, granted by the European Commission and overseen by the Vitae professional development organisation in the UK, is an important mechanism for implementing the principles of the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers. Sussex is one of 84 UK institutions who currently hold the award.

Projects progress: Transforming Sussex newsletter
Keep up to date with what’s happening across the Capital Programme and beyond with Transforming Sussex. This month's edition showcases some exciting highlights: the launch of our catering partners' innovative sustainability initiatives, the opening of the UK's first-ever university contactless market - The Atrium - and the new Research Management System’s go-live date. Plus, get an exclusive glimpse at how spaces in the West Slope could look with virtual reality created by our architects.

A reminder

VC Open Forum on 3 June
The next VC Open Forum for all staff is on Monday 3 June, from 12.30pm-2pm. You can register now to attend in person at the Chichester 1 lecture theatre. The event will also be livestreamed for a remote audience.